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Agence France-Presse

All international tennis tournaments in China this year, including the Shanghai Masters and WTA Finals, were cancelled on Friday because of the coronavirus, the ATP and WTA said.
The major blow to attempts to restart tennis comes after China said it would not stage most international sports events for the rest of 2020 to keep the pandemic in check.
“We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year,” Steve Simon, head of the Women’s Tennis Association, said in a statement.
“We do however respect the decision that has been made (by Chinese authorities) and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season.”
Pandemic a huge worry for Hong Kong sport, says youngster Cody Wong after clinching CRC Elite Invitational title
Among the seven WTA events cancelled is the Wuhan Open in October, which promised to be hugely symbolic as the city was at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak when it emerged late last year.
The ATP said it too was cancelling its tournaments in China for the rest of the year, including the prestigious Shanghai Masters and China Open – a men’s and women’s event – in Beijing.




“Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to always follow local guidance when staging events. We respect the Chinese government’s decision to do what’s best for the country in response to the unprecedented global situation,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP chairman.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year.”
Rafa Nadal pessimistic over chances of return to normal for tennis
The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide and is struggling to restart.
The ATP said earlier this week that a tournament in Washington DC that marked the start of the men’s tennis season next month has been cancelled.
US Open organisers insisted that would “in no way impact” the behind-closed-doors grand slam scheduled for the end of August.
The Cincinnati Open and US Open are still scheduled to take place back-to-back in New York from August 20, despite several leading figures in men’s tennis casting doubts over the hard-court grand slam.
World number one Novak Djokovic earlier this month said he was undecided over whether to travel to compete at the US Open.
The women’s WTA tour is scheduled to restart on August 3 in Palermo, Italy, making it the first event on the recently announced new calendar.
We share in the disappointment of many around the world who were looking forward to this (China) swing
Steve Simon, head of the WTA
The China cancellations – which are a setback to tennis’s hopes of building its popularity in the world’s most populous nation – come as domestic sport is slowly returning to the country.
“We share in the disappointment of many around the world who were looking forward to this (China) swing and appreciate all of the continued support from our fans, partners and the entire region, as we continue to navigate the remainder of the 2020 season,” WTA chief Simon said.
On Thursday the Chinese Basketball Association said it would allow spectators to watch matches from Sunday and on Saturday Chinese Super League football starts behind closed doors.
However, after China’s announcement all major international sports events are in major doubt, with the postponed Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai also now appearing doomed.



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WTA Finals

WTA Finals axed as China cancels all tennis events over coronavirus concerns

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with the Wuhan Open trophy in 2019. The event will not be staged in 2020. Photo: AFP

Chinese Super League finally kicks off on July 25, but with no schedule for second stage yet

Chinese Super League players are back in training ahead of the July 25 big kick off. Photo: Reuters

Pandemic a huge worry for Hong Kong sport, says youngster Cody Wong after clinching CRC Elite Invitational title

Cody Wong on her way to victory in the women’s singles final at the CRC Elite Tennis Invitational in Tai Hang. Photo: Dickson Lee

Eudice Chong will play her first tournament since March in the CRC Invitational early next month. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

Sports Commissioner Yeung Tak-keung and Tennis Association president Philip Mok. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

Cody Wong Hong-yi in action during the Ladies’ Singles Final in CRC Hong Kong Elite Tennis Invitational 2020 held at Chinese Recreational Club tennis court in Tai Hang. 12JUL20 SCMP / Dickson Lee

Cody Wong Hong-yi poses with her trophy after winning the Ladies’ Singles Final in CRC Hong Kong Elite Tennis Invitational 2020 held at Chinese Recreational Club tennis court in Tai Hang. 12JUL20 SCMP / Dickson Lee

China rules out hosting most international sport in 2020

China will not host any major international sporting events in 2020. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Tennis


Decision comes as a major blow to attempts to restart tennis as China says it will not stage most international sports events for the rest of 2020 to keep the pandemic in check



Decision comes as a major blow to attempts to restart tennis as China says it will not stage most international sports events for the rest of 2020 to keep the pandemic in check.
